April 14, 2009
Christ Our Hope
Therefore
it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be
sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those
who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written,
"I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he
believed — God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not
exist as though they did; who, contrary to hope , in hope believed, so that he
became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken,
"So shall your descendants be."
Romans 4:16-19
Let me summarize this long scripture: Abraham knew and believed God could
resurrect the dead and could create that which didn’t exist, therefore had hope
when nothing around him gave any reason for hope.
God had promised Abraham he would be the father of many nations. His life didn’t
appear to look as if that were going to be possible! Matter of fact, it look
quite impossible! He was an older man with a wife past child bearing years. The
one thing Abraham had on his side though was a promise from God.
Hebrews 11:11 tells us, “By faith Sarah herself
also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past
the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.”
Do you find yourself feeling down, sad, frustrated, or depressed by what you see
around you? As Christians, we must quit looking to our circumstances, abilities,
bank accounts, and doctors for hope! Our hope is Christ alone. When things look
impossible, remember you have a God through whom
“all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)
Do you have a marriage, a wayward child, a business, a financial
situation, or a health issue that appears dead or at a dead end? God can create
life where nothing exists, and God can give life to the dead. He has
resurrection power! Jesus Christ is your hope for all situations.
According to Ephesians 2:12-13, before you were saved,
“…you were without Christ …having no hope and without God in the world.
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near
by the blood of Christ.”
We must also keep in mind that Ecclesiastes 3:4 reminds us,
“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.”
Sometimes we can’t see that a situation will ever change. But seasons come and
seasons go. Remind yourself, this too shall pass. In my life, I have gone
through times of great sorrows, loneliness, and what seemed like endless lack,
but God always brought me through, and I was stronger once we reached the other
side together. Through the years like Paul, “I have
learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I
know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full
and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:11-13)
Don’t ever give up! Endure to the end!
Persevere! Be encouraged and hope in God!
Trust Jesus Christ, your savior, who conquered the grave!
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you
may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Blessings,
Janet Fairbrother